Astonishing X-Men (Monstrous arc) promo by Jason Pearson

And last but not least, a Jason Pearson piece, my favorite modern artist :)

This is a promo piece Jason drew for Marvel to advertise (his return to mainstream comics on) the Monstrous arc of Astonishing X-Men in 2011, of which he was supposed to draw all 4 issues.

Sadly, he only completed the first one and was helped by a fill-in artist on the second, never to participate on parts 3 or 4.

I don’t know if this was truly an advertising pin up per se, as this practice was not common for Marvel at that time (why pay for another piece when you can use a cover for that purpose as is usually the case?), or a rejected cover of some sort.

In any case, this image is quite striking. The design element works super well. To have all 4 characters drenched in shadows with a central column of light seems simple but it’s not easy to pull off. The ominous off board treat they are facing looks dangerous enough for them to be in defense position. That’s quite the tease for the upcoming arc.

I love how distinct all 4 characters are.

Jason’s Wolvie is one of the best in the business, this mad pit bull of a short man, full of rage and anger. Look at those arms and the tension radiating from all his body.

Armor simply looks like a frightened teen, too frightened actually to armor up. In this day and where too many artists draw teens like adults reduced in size, this is appreciable. Plus, she does look Asian.

Emma is obviously not easily impressed here but she is still worried by what they are facing. She is suitably haughty and regal.

And Cyclops, ever the tactician, is slightly pulling off in defense mode, as if he is analyzing the upcoming treat. I love the contrast with Wolvie here, who is up front and ready to fully go at the enemy. That aspect of the piece seems perfectly in character for both.

So, a great, simple design, fabulous tension, tells a story in itself or makes you want to know what’s coming (proving that a cover or a pin up can of course be a storytelling exercise as well…hell, SHOULD be…) AND great art all over.

Let’s not forget to mention those FAULTLESS PRISTINE inks. What an artist!

This concludes my yearly CAF B-Day party. Happy birthday to me :)